CHRISTCHURCH CELTIC CLUB

New Zealand Tablet, 1 June 1916, Page 43

CHRISTCHURCH CELTIC CLUB

(From our own correspondent.) The first annual meeting of the Christchurch Celtic Club was held in the Hibernian Hall on Monday evening, May 15. In the unavoidable absence of the president (Mr. J. Griffin), the chair was occupied by Mr.. P. J. Smythe, the popular instructor of the club. His Lordship Bishop Brodie attended, and with him were Rev. Fathers Long and Murphy. There were also present Rev. Brothers Palladius, Fidelis, and Leo, and Messrs. Jas. Curry and M. Grimes (president and secretary respectively of the H.A.C.8.5.). The annual report and balance sheet were read, which showed the club to be in a sound financial position at the end of the year. With only the members’ subscriptions to start on, the club, after paying all working expenses, providing a substantial stage, and purchasing up-to-date scenery, had at the end of the year close on ,£lO in hand, and no liabilities whatever. The membership, which totals 52, consists of 26 ladies and 26 gentlemen. His Lordship the Bishop is patron, the Rev. Father Long lion, president, the Rev. Father Murphy vicepresident, also Rev. Brothers Palladius, Anselm, Anastasius, Fidelis, and Eusebius. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: —President, Mr. J. Griffin; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Curry, W. Rodgers, and E. McCarthy treasurer, Mr. W. P. Daly; instructor, Mr. P. J. Smythe; secretary, Mr. E. A. Rodgers; lady representatives on executive, Misses B. Fanning, C. O’Connor, L. Cronin, and E. Cronin. After the business of the evening was concluded, a concert programme was rendered, items being contributed by the following:Rev. Father Murphy, Misses O. Wacked, E. Moloney, Rev. Brother Fidelis, and Mr. G. Couche (songs), Messrs. F. Rowe, P. J. Smythe, J. P. Noonan, E. A. Rodgers, and Misses A. Donnel and M. Wacked (recitations). The accompaniments were played by Misses K. O’Connor, E. Sykes, and R. Mahan.

For the coming year the club will meet in the Hibernian Hall on alternate Monday evenings, when it is proposed to hold debating competitions, lectures, concerts, etc. The club will produce the play 1 Kathleen Mavourneexx,’ which recently met with such success in the Hibernian Hall, in Raxxgiora, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the Catholic schools in that parish. Mr. J. P. Noonan, who was secretary of the club, since its inauguration, has found it necessary to relinquish the duties. -